Laos backs Asean plan on human resource development

Laos has voiced support for the Asean plan on human resource development through the organisation of joint activities that would deliver more benefits to Asean citizens.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune expressed Laos’ support for the Asean plan when he addressed the 23rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) meeting on Tuesday.

Vietnam’s Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Welfare and ASCC Chair Dao Ngoc Dung chaired the meeting via video link.
“Laos supports the Asean Declaration on Human Resource Development for Changing the World of Work. I believe that this declaration will provide a greater opportunity for Asean nations to share their benefits and interests and bring more benefits to the people of Asean,” Prof. Dr Kikeo said.
He expressed confidence that effective outcomes and greater success would be achieved from this cooperation, especially in the fields of labour and education, through the organisation of shared activities and the formulation of a roadmap or work plan.
The 23rd ASCC meeting took place as the world continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. Laos has declared initial victory in the battle since the last patient recovered and was discharged from hospital on June 9.
Only 19 people are known to have contracted the virus in Laos, and no new cases have been detected anywhere in the country for more than two months.
Prof. Dr Kikeo, who is also the Lao ASCC Minister, highlighted this success but said the government and people were not wholly satisfied with this achievement.
Laos continued to strictly implement existing orders and measures so that vigilance was maintained to guard against the possibility of a second wave of the virus, he said.
“In addition, we are directing socio-economic development to conform to the circumstances of the “new normal” and advising people to pay more attention to building new lives in a prompt manner,” he added.
The minister also shared his views on moving forward socio-cultural cooperation in the region, stressing the importance of continuing to share information and best practices on virus prevention, containment, and treatment, as well as providing mutual support at this challenging time.
He called for joint collaboration in research and development in the fields of virology and epidemiology alongside the production of anti-viral medicines and vaccines, as well as equal and affordable access to vaccines and medical supplies.
He also called for Asean member states to work together on a post-epidemic recovery plan to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 on people’s livelihoods and the region’s economy.

By Somxay Sengdara
(Latest Update June 24, 2020)